Dairy Conference 2026 focuses on 'Driving Profitability, Delivering Sustainability'

Feedback from delegates at CAFRE's Greenmount Campus, Antrim, described the event as informative, relevant and highly worthwhile. The conference, delivered in partnership with AgriSearch, CAFRE, Dairy Council for Northern Ireland and the Ulster Farmers' Union, explored the opportunities that genetics, innovation, nutrition and industry collaboration can deliver for Northern Ireland's dairy sector.

Albert Johnston, Head of Knowledge Advisory Service, CAFRE opened the conference and delegates heard from a range of industry leaders, researchers and farmers who shared practical insights on the future direction of the dairy industry.

Presentations covered the Dairy Roadmap, market developments, the opportunities presented by the Bovine Genetics Project, the use of herd data to support breeding decisions, and the role of nutrition and the Dairy Carbon Network in improving both productivity and environmental performance.

A key focus throughout the day was how better use of data, genetic information and on-farm management practices can help dairy businesses improve efficiency, strengthen resilience and enhance long-term profitability while also delivering against sustainability objectives. Delegates also heard first-hand experiences from progressive dairy farmers who have successfully applied these approaches within their own businesses.

Joe Mulholland, Head of Dairy, Pigs, Poultry and Crops, CAFRE, welcomed the strong attendance and positive engagement from delegates, saying: "A clear message from our speakers was that there are significant opportunities available to dairy farmers today. By making use of technologies such as genotyping, benchmarking data and practical sustainability initiatives, farmers can improve herd performance, strengthen business resilience and position their enterprises for future success.

"The feedback received from delegates has been extremely positive and reflects the quality of the speakers and discussions throughout the day. CAFRE greatly values the support of our industry partners and the willingness of farmers to engage with new ideas that can help drive the Northern Ireland dairy industry forward."

CAFRE would like to thank all speakers, industry partners and delegates whose contribution helped make Dairy Conference 2026 a successful and informative event. The strong attendance and positive feedback received highlight the value of bringing the industry together to share knowledge, experience and innovation in support of a profitable and sustainable future for dairy farming in Northern Ireland.